Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Ran across this classified from '36 with a used '32 901 for sale at $545.

'32 901 new price - $2350, depending on options.

About a 75% drop in four years.

Due in part to the depression?

Excess capacity, limited buyers?

Used cars not seen as desirable / marketable?

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I think you forgot another reason:
the leaps and bounds the cars progressed from year to year in the 30's. A 4 year old car was way behind on the newest technology available.

Hi

As BDC points out, used cars were up against the technological progress being made then but for much of the public simply the rapid styling changes were rendering older cars less saleable year after year.

Note now many now highly-desirable and rare Classics were going begging at cheap prices. Recently discontinued models and defunct makes hit the value skids quickly. The REO Royale and Franklin V-12 as well as large Studebaker President were all cars very difficult to resell. Small wonder so few are still extant.

Even the '33 Super Eight 1004 Sport Phaeton for $895 shows how a $3,150 new open style lost major value in short three years. (Wonder if that one is still available......)

Steve

Used luxury cars were the hardest to sell during the depths of the depression. Those well-heeled and looking for a luxury car were most likely to buy new. And the cost of maintenance and gasoline would make the used luxury cars very unattractive to those whose financial resources.